Asking if a hidden insight can exist is a peculiar phrasing, but anyway, one example I can think of is some study that demonstrated people using their real names were 50% more likely to remain active users two years after registration. Or "abuse", however defined, was reduced by 40%. Whatever. The point is that if Google keeps such knowledge secret, other networks that allow anonymous users will be at a competitive disadvantage.

I have no idea what such effects may be, I only allow for the possibility they exist.

Seems like pretty thin reasoning to hang the (great-) grandparent's assertion.